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What can the righteous do?

October 24, 2018

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When the foundationsare being destroyed, what can the righteous do?
(Psalm 11:3)

The confirmation of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh is history. It also made history as the most hate-filled, fear-mongering, politicized, guilty until proven innocent, hysteria-driven event of its kind. As a result, I believe the chasm between light and darkness has widened. Pundits blame our president for the deepening divide. But is it simply evidence of the collapsing moral and ethical foundation of our society? Good is called evil, and evil good. Righteousness has been demonized and the demonic made righteous. (9.1 billion dollars will be spent on Halloween this year.)

Psalm 11 poses a question that is as pertinent today as it was millennia ago.

What can the righteous do?

One option is to hide – separate yourself. The Psalmist replies:

How then can you say to me:“Fleelike a bird to your mountain?”2 For look, the wicked bend their bows;they set their arrowsagainst the stringsto shoot from the shadowsat the upright in heart.

Burying our heads in the sand does nothing to thwart the vicious attacks of the enemy.

The righteous can also Protest. While taking a stand is praiseworthy, righteous demonstrations are often misrepresented by those who cover the event.

The peaceful protest at our local library, which sponsored a drag queen story hour for 4-8 years olds was judged as intolerant and mean-spirited. Meanwhile nothing was said or done about the intimidation and cursing that came from those in the street who supported the event. No one took responsibility for the phone threats following the event to one of the local pastor’s family members who was present. Protests raise awareness. Do they restore crumbling foundations?

What the righteous can do is FAST and PRAY. During times of national crisis, the people of God deprived themselves of food to elicit divine intervention. In his book, Fasting for Spiritual Breakthrough, Elmer Towns lists 9 fasts that God can use. One of them is the Esther fast. Prior to appearing before the king where she would petition him to save the Jews, Esther called for a fast. (Esther 4:16, 5:2) God granted her favor with the king, and the Jews were spared from genocide.

In our country, tolerance is king. Any challenge to its ideology is met with stiff resistance. As we approach the mid-term elections, perhaps we should engage in an Esther fast, to petition God for favor from destroying the Judeo-Christian foundation upon which our country was founded.

Notice where God is when the foundations are being destroyed.

4 The Lord is in his holy temple;
the Lord is on his heavenly throne.
He observes everyone on earth;
his eyes examine them.

God sees the actions of both the righteous and the wicked. Therefore fast and PRAY – appeal to heaven. The Lord is on his throne.

Of course prayer can be a dangerous act, especially when it confronts principalities and powers. Daniel found himself in the lion’s den when he refused to follow the decree that banned prayer. But after God delivered Daniel, King Darius reversed his posture toward the God of Daniel.

Then King Darius wrote to all the nations and peoples of every language in all the earth:

“May you prosper greatly!“I issue a decree that in every part of my kingdom people must fear and reverence the God of Daniel.“For he is the living Godand he endures forever;his kingdom will not be destroyed,his dominion will never end.He rescues and he saves;he performs signs and wondersin the heavens and on the earth.He has rescued Danielfrom the power of the lions.” (ch 6:25-27)

Daniel’s unwavering commitment to prayer changed history.

There is another thing you can do: VOTE. As a democracy, people’s voice can be heard by casting a ballot. Typically people vote their party affiliation. They also vote based on their wallets; what will benefit them economically. God uses a different standard:

He has shown you, what is good and what does the Lord require?To do justice, to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. (Micah 6:8)

I encourage you to vote for righteousness. Vote for life. All elections have consequences. Vote for those who represent rebuilding the foundations, not replacing them.

While the foundations may be shaken, the Psalmist reminds us:

4 …the Eternal One is never shaken—he is still found in his temple of holiness,
reigning as Lord and King over all.
He is closely watching everything that happens.
And with a glance, his eyes examine every heart.
For his heavenly rule will prevail over all.5 He will test both the righteous and the wicked – exposing each heart.

Fast, pray, vote…

Nicholas

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Comments

Amen. As the Body of Christ we must fast and pray continually, so that we can be ready in season and out of season!! I love how Esther was ready to die for her belief system which was for others to live. No greater love has a man or a woman than to lay down his/her life for others.
Great blog pastor!

Pastor Nicholas,
Your words are timely in revealing the world with which we have to contend. The current sad state of affairs is certainly crushing the Christian heart. I agree with you that to VOTE is not just a privilege, but a necessary obligation these days…but it concerns me that even the vote, at least for me, does not seem to guarantee justice or societal healing. I believe the answer lies in re-establishing the family unit, the work ethic; and ridding our society of entitlements that undermine our heritage and the values it embraced. We need to simplify, and return to our roots. How do we do this with the monster we have created?…..I have no idea! LOL (I believe it has gone too far, and now only God can fix the mess.) We can find freedom (and peace) in prayer and submission to Him.

PS: I simply love your blog. Thanks for taking the time to make us think.

Continuing to stand in the gaps in God’s armor and crying out (tsa aq) for our nation. Praying and fasting, Praying Psalm 56 for President Trump and the administration and for all of God’s people.
“We trust in the Lord. And we praise Him! We trust in the Word of God. And we praise Him! What harm could man do to us? With God on our side we will not be afraid of what comes, Our hearts overflow with praise to God for His promises. We will always trust in Him.” Psalm 56:10-11 (tpt)

Something to think about something to pray about. Heavenly Father we seek your wisdom in times such as these. We don’t have the answers but we have you to look to and the Holy Spirit for direction. Holy Spirit search our hearts today and every day as we seek your guidance and wisdom. We thank our pastor nick for his love for the word and for the wisdom you fill into him every week. He never disappoints. He always gives us his 100 percent. We are truly a blessed family in Christ